During the brief autumn period, what important dietary component might wood bison consume in open canopy forests?
Answer
Lichen
The wood bison maintains a variable diet that adapts to seasonal offerings beyond its staple graminoids. For a limited window during the fall season, lichens become a notable addition to their menu. These organisms are typically located and consumed when found in areas characterized by open canopy forests that border the typical meadows and grasslands where the bison graze. This short-term inclusion demonstrates their ability to incorporate non-vascular plant matter when available, serving as a secondary component before the deep winter scarcity sets in.
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